The city government of Muntinlupa has urged its residents to avoid firecrackers and use alternative noisemakers as the firecracker ban is still in effect in the city.
Muntinlupa has implemented a total ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices for the holiday season, especially on New Year celebration, through City Ordinance 14-092.
Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said a special task force composed of members from Bureau of Fire Protection, Muntinlupa City Police Station, Business Permits and Licensing Office, Public Order and Safety Office, and barangay officers has been organized to conduct inspections and apprehend violators.
Navarro noted that Muntinlupa Police have installed checkpoints in the city’s entry points (San Pedro—Tunasan boundary and Alabang) starting Dec. 27 to ensure no firecrackers will be sold or used in the city.
The Ospital ng Muntinlupa and other local hospitals are already prepared for any firecracker-related injuries or casualties, she added.
Penalties for violation of the firecrackers-ban ordinance are a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of not more than one month on the first offense, a fine of P3,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months on the second offense, and a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months for the third offense.
Establishments that would be apprehended will have their permit and license to operate revoked pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.
Community fireworks displays, however, may be allowed upon securing a permit from Muntinlupa BFP.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi advised residents not to patronize firecrackers, and wished locals a safe celebration of the New Year’s Eve.
The city government will be conducting a motorcade on Dec. 30 with all the barangay firetrucks.
While alternative noisemakers are encouraged, the MTMB-Tricycle Regulatory Unit warned tricycle drivers and motorists that removal of mufflers in the holiday season will be penalized.
